Page 67 of The Kill
I look up at Tyson with a watery smile. I know he’s right but I still can’t rid myself of the dread I feel at letting them off by themselves into the big bad world.
Okay, fair enough, maybe a giant gated mansion, where they’re monitored and surrounded by professional trainers isn’t exactly the same as them wandering out into the wilderness. But still.
“Just think. When they come back, we can retire early and spend our days here annoying them, eating them out of house and home, throwing parties that go on way too late…”
I’m going to miss those parties, and the house being filled with young pack members, all keen to make the boys feel at home in the year we’ve been here. Looking out at the smiling faces, here to wish their future alpha well on his travels, I wonder if they’ll be as happy when he’s gone, when it’s just me in charge.
Tyson stands in front of me and rolls his eyes. “It’s not just you. It’s you and me. You’ve been doing a brilliant job. They love you. Noah being gone won’t change that.”
Imposter syndrome whispers in my ear that I’m not up to this job. I’m not a Luna by blood, but through a mating that was a complete disaster.
Shaking his head, Tyson snatches me up and lifts me, depositing me a few feet to the side, out of sight of the waiting shifters. Nuzzling into my neck, he kisses my mark, breathing deep and runs his nose up the column of my throat like he does when he’s about to feed.
“No, you can’t, not here…” I press my hands to his chest and stare at him wide-eyed. He can’t be serious. There are people everywhere.
“Just think, Mandy. Without the boys here, the house will be quieter, I’ll give you that. But do you know what that means?”
When his lips close around my mark again and he sucks gently, I feel the pull like he’s tugging directly on my clit. Digging my teeth into my bottom lip, I stifle a moan, even as my pussy clenches.
“You won’t have to be quiet anymore. We won’t have to worry about who’s going to walk in at any moment looking for one of us. My dreams of keeping you naked all the time can finally come true.”
My laugh turns into a whimper as he continues to make his point, his lips and tongue combining to torture the sensitive parts of my body with gently kisses and licks. When his hands start to roam, and I shiver with desire in his grasp, I know it’s time to stop this before we get carried away.
“You’ll have to do lots to keep me distracted. But not now, Tyson.” With one last squeeze of my ass, he steps back with a wink.
“Your wish is my command, Luna.” Extending a hand, he takes mine in his and tangles our fingers together, stroking my palm with his thumb as we make our way out into the dusk, pausing on the top step. Straightening my back, I suck in a deep breath as the gathering shifters slowly turn to face us, and conversations tail off. Tyson leans down, keeping his lips next to my cheek so his next words are for my ears only. “I’m more than happy to keep you distracted for the rest of our lives.”
As Noah steps forward, flanked on either side by his two best friends, I feel the tears welling up in my eyes. “You did a great job, Mandy, look at him. He’s going to be fine.” Tyson’s words of encouragement and the absolute confidence I feel radiating across the bond settles my anxiety. “And he deserves this. He’s born for it.”
My gaze locks with Noah’s. He’s watching me carefully, taking in my glistening eyes and Tyson’s reassuring hand on my waist. I give him a firm nod, letting him know I’m alright and he smiles, reaching out to squeeze my hand in his.
Tyson’s pride shines through, and I finally relax, a sense of peace washing over me. He’s not my boy anymore. He’s a young man, future alpha of this pack, and a son I can be proud of. Whatever doubts I have about myself, I don’t doubt how perfect Noah is for the role of alpha.
Tyson’s right. He was born for this. He’s going to be okay.
